No Labeling – To use insurance, I have to give a diagnosis to a client, even if they might *barely* meet the diagnostic criteria. Not accepting insurance gives me the freedom to treat my clients without labeling or diagnosing them. I’m all about de-stigmatizing mental health, but unfortunately, many industries are not. If you want to get life insurance, work in certain sectors of government, or even certain private sectors, a diagnosis on your healthcare record may impede your ability to get coverage or employment. You should seek the care and help you need without worrying about it impacting your future.
Confidentiality & Privacy – To use insurance, your name and diagnosis are seen by upwards of ten different people in the insurance billing department. While our session notes and details remain private unless there is an audit, I feel firm that this many people don’t need your healthcare information.
No Confusion -- Healthcare and insurance are highly confusing. It’s almost impossible to get a straightforward answer about how much a specific service will cost. When you seek therapeutic services with me, you have a simple, straightforward answer about the cost of services and when they will be billed to you.
Self-Determination – Insurance companies often determine what they think the “appropriate” or “therapeutic” treatment is. Let’s say you have a diagnosis of mild depression. Your insurance provider may believe that you need 12-15 sessions for that diagnosis. Once we hit that ceiling, they’ll no longer pay. This means we had to rigidly adhere to someone else’s guidelines and try and rush you through to meet your goals.
Quality Care & Attention – I only accept a certain amount of clients on my caseload to protect my mental health and ensure I’m showing up to each session fully attuned. I don’t do therapy sessions and [include examples of things YOU do that you simply couldn’t do in an agency/healthcare setting that you know to be a distraction or disruptive to the therapy process: type away on my laptop, there aren’t interruptions from other people in a crowded waiting room, and if you email or call me, you’ll get me.
